A reversal of fortunes for the Progressive Labour Party closed an unprecedented campaign in which four female candidates competed for one seat in the House of Assembly.

As electoral contests go, Southampton West Central (Constituency 31) was unique – but Linda Smith of the One Bermuda Alliance emerged as the newcomer MP, edging out Crystal Caesar, the former Minister of the Cabinet Office, who won it in 2020.

Ms Smith, a former journalist and communications specialist who was unveiled last year by the OBA, said there had been “chemistry here today” with Ms Caesar and independent contenders Juanae Crockwell and Karen Hodgkins.

“It’s nice to see so many women coming forward,” Ms Smith told The Royal Gazette, calling her campaign “a wonderful, wonderful experience”.

She said the message on the doorsteps of Constituency 31 was that “people want to see change”.

It was an upset for Ms Caesar, who also said the campaign had been “historic for women” but had expected to win re-election.

As voters were still coming in at the polling station, Ms Caesar said: “I will retain my seat – that’s my prediction.”

Ms Caesar said that after years of canvassing, she enjoyed a close relationship with the constituency.

“I think they are very familiar with me,” she said, adding: “I have the relationship with them and they trust me.”

Ms Caesar won the constituency against the OBA’s Ben Smith the last time residents went to the polls.

Last night, Ms Smith came top by a narrow margin, with 310 votes to Ms Caesar’s 291, while Ms Crockwell, the sister of the late Shawn Crockwell, former MP for Southampton West Central, declared herself “happy” with her 144 votes.

Ms Hodgkins, who had emphasised her business background during her campaign and proposed ditching duties on imports in favour of a sales tax, received 21 votes but said she was “ecstatic” after the campaign, although she offered her sympathies to Ms Caesar.

Ms Smith described her victory as a “humbling experience after many months of hard work”.

Her background includes public relations and the third sector.

“This experience has expanded on the public service passion that I have,” Ms Smith said. “I feel passionate about being part of making Bermuda a better place.”

She said a top concern on the doorsteps was the condition of roads in the constituency.

“It covers everything from failing infrastructure to areas that need to be paved and the speed of drivers.”

Ms Caesar conceded: “The people have spoken. Whilst I am disappointed, I respect their decision, but will continue to work in the constituency to ensure that their concerns are addressed.”

Ms Crockwell thanked the area residents for “inviting me into their homes and sharing their hopes for a better Bermuda with me”.

She added: “I remain an advocate for the people of this country and the residents of Constituency 31. I will continue the conversation and I’ll be back in the next election.”